London has some iconic symbols that are instantly recognized.
One of them is Westminster Palace's Clock Tower, commonly known as "Big Ben".
Although, actually, "Big Ben" is a bell, not the clock. And, the official name of the bell is really the "Big Bell". To confuse even more, the "Clock Tower", which is where both the iconic clock and bells are located, had a name change several years ago to the "Elizabeth Tower" in honour of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
The original bell was 16.5 tonnes. Once completed, it was decided that they wanted a "bigger sound". So, they doubled the size of the hammer, making it a half tonne. Great idea! Except, after 3 weeks the bigger hammer broke the bell! A second bell was needed. The new 13.5 tonnes bell was raised up the tower in one lift, taking 32 hours and 8 men working together to wind it up the tower. It was the largest, most powerful and accurate clock in the world.... with a crack in the big bell...
Although, actually, "Big Ben" is a bell, not the clock. And, the official name of the bell is really the "Big Bell". To confuse even more, the "Clock Tower", which is where both the iconic clock and bells are located, had a name change several years ago to the "Elizabeth Tower" in honour of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
The clock was completed in 1859 during Queen Victoria's rein. One of the specifications was that it had to be accurate to one second a day, a feat unheard of in Victorian times.
Some quick facts, that I know everyone wants to know, to be casually mentioned at the next cocktail party:
The belfry is located at 205ft, or, up 334 steps. The clock face is 23 feet across, made with cast iron and 312 pieces of opal glass. The minute hand (that's the "big hand" for those of you that need to be reminded) is 14 feet long and a hollow copper tube. The hour hand (I am sure you can now guess, by elimination, that's the little hand) is solid bronze at 9 feet. The lights go on at sunset and off at sunrise. Originally it was lit by gas and then in 1906 electric light bulbs were installed. The face gets cleaned every 5 years. "Big Ben", the big bell, is 7'6" ft tall, 9 wide and 8" thick. One big bell and 4 quarter bells make the famous sounds. BBC plays the sounds live everyday at 6:00pm and midnight.
How do I know all these details..... we climbed the 334 steps and stood beside Big Ben and listened to the chimes, at 5 bells. With ear plugs!
And why is all this so exciting?
The belfry is located at 205ft, or, up 334 steps. The clock face is 23 feet across, made with cast iron and 312 pieces of opal glass. The minute hand (that's the "big hand" for those of you that need to be reminded) is 14 feet long and a hollow copper tube. The hour hand (I am sure you can now guess, by elimination, that's the little hand) is solid bronze at 9 feet. The lights go on at sunset and off at sunrise. Originally it was lit by gas and then in 1906 electric light bulbs were installed. The face gets cleaned every 5 years. "Big Ben", the big bell, is 7'6" ft tall, 9 wide and 8" thick. One big bell and 4 quarter bells make the famous sounds. BBC plays the sounds live everyday at 6:00pm and midnight.
And why is all this so exciting?
The tower tours used to be open to the public. But, after terrorist attacks the tours were stopped.
Eventually tours were opened up again, but only to UK citizens. Now, tours are only open to residents of the UK, but, they must have an invitation from their MP (Member of Parliament) and proof of UK residency.
BINGO! Another joy to having our very own home in London!
Sorry, but no photos allowed inside the tower. Cameras and cell phones were checked in after security screening by people with B-I-G guns.
(I was very lucky they let John go on the tour!)
Eventually tours were opened up again, but only to UK citizens. Now, tours are only open to residents of the UK, but, they must have an invitation from their MP (Member of Parliament) and proof of UK residency.
BINGO! Another joy to having our very own home in London!
Sorry, but no photos allowed inside the tower. Cameras and cell phones were checked in after security screening by people with B-I-G guns.
(I was very lucky they let John go on the tour!)
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